The Seahawks used a four-guard look for much of the second half that could run with VMI, but they still made a concentrated effort to get Williams plenty of touches in the paint. He used slick footwork to carve out space and get quality looks.

When the Keydets brought help, he usually found a teammate. In all, 84 of UNCW’s 110 points came in the paint.

“Just being patient, taking what the defense gives me,” Williams said afterward of his approach. “Not being in a rush. Just find the open spot.”

Williams – the team’s returning leader in points and rebounds – was limited to 22 and 21 minutes in the first two games, respectively. He entered averaging five points and four rebounds in those contests.

He blamed his foul problems on poor positioning inside. He said he needs to “do my work early,” meaning he wants establish his spot in the paint on both ends well before the ball arrives down there.

That wasn’t an issue Saturday as he managed to play a season-high 36 minutes. He challenged shots without fouling and even drew a charge in the first half.

Against most other teams, Williams will be matched up with more bulky big men, especially if he’s playing center. That makes that aspect of the game all the more important.

For at least one night, he was the biggest and most impactful post player on the floor.

“Teammates, coaching staff, they all believed in me,” Williams said. “I knew deep down what I can do. I just want to come out and support my teammates, step up in the way that I know how to.”

Sherwood down again

Dylan Sherwood didn’t play the final 28 minutes after aggravating his right ankle injury. The junior forward landed awkwardly after grabbing a rebound and went down in obvious pain. He originally hurt his ankle in the season-opening loss to Old Dominion.

Sherwood watched the second half from the bench in a walking boot. He’ll have a few days to rest as the Seahawks don’t play again until Saturday at Davidson.

Keatts didn’t seem too concerned that it’s a long-term injury, but it might make the next few weeks more difficult.

“It’s going to be one of those deals that guys are going to be injured and we’ve got to make adjustments,” Keatts said. “Hopefully, he’s going to be fine.”

Sherwood’s injury has meant more opportunity for walk-on Kevin Hickson, who only joined the team three weeks ago. He got his first career start Saturday and played 16 minutes, doubling his total from the first two games. He made his only field goal attempt with a dunk and grabbed three rebounds and three steals.

Extras: It was somewhat of a homecoming for Keatts. The first-year coach grew up in nearby Lynchburg and played his college ball at Division III Ferrum. His parents, aunt and several friends sat behind the UNCW bench during the victory. Afterward, he made his way into the stands to give his mother a hug. … C.J. Gettys and Chuck Ogbodo didn’t play at all in the second half. Keatts said he told them not to read too much into their lack of playing time against an unusual opponent. … It was Freddie Jackson’s first career double-double. He had 10 rebounds against William & Mary on Jan. 21, 2012, but he managed just seven points in that game. … Jordon Talley scored nine points before fouling out for the second time in his first three games. The freshman guard has committed too many fouls in the back court early on.

An Extra Extra: I paid a visit to Foamhenge just down the road afterward. Definitely worth a couple miles of detour to check it out if you’re in Rockbridge County.